MARTINEZ, Melquiades R. (Mel), (1946 - )

Senate Years of Service: 2005-
Party: Republican

MARTINEZ, Melquiades R. (Mel), a Senator from Florida; born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, on October 23, 1946; immigrated to the United States in 1962; lived with foster families until reunited with his family in Orlando, Fla., in 1966; J.D., College of Law, Florida State University 1973; practiced law in Orlando, Fla., for twenty-five years; secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development 2001-2005; elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 2004 for term ending January 3, 2011.


Bibliography

Martinez, Mel, with Ed Breslin. A Sense of Belonging: From Castro’s Cuba to the U.S. Senate, One Man’s Pursuit of the American Dream. New York: Crown Forum, 2008.